SafePlants

Elegant Mariposa Lily (Calochortus elegans)

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that Calochortus elegans grows from a bulb.

Considerations for Children

• The text mentions that Calochortus elegans grows from a bulb.

Common Names

• Elegant Mariposa Lily
• Cat's Ear
• Elegant Cat's Ear
• Elegant Star Lily
• Northwest Mariposa Lily

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calochortus elegans
• Family: Liliaceae (Lily Family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Calochortus selwayensis (mentioned as "Other Names" for the plant)
• Nomenclatural Reference: Fl. Amer. Sept. (Pursh) 1: 240. 1813 dt. 1814 issued Dec 1813

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the western United States.
• Specifically mentioned as native to the western United States from northern areas.
• Found in rocky soils.
• Habitat includes the transition zone between ponderosa pine forest and Palouse prairie (e.g., on top of Kamiak Butte).

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Grows from a bulb.
• Reaches a height of approximately 0.2 meters (8 inches).
• Herbaceous, non-woody plant (forb/herb).
• Slender, bent stems bearing branched clusters of a few white star-shaped flowers with petals.
• Flowers in June.
• Flowers are hermaphrodite (possessing both male and female reproductive organs).
• Elongated leaves

Quirky Facts

• Calochortus elegans was first collected by Meriwether Lewis on May 17, 1806.

Additional Information

• Hardy to zone (UK) 3.
• The genus Calochortus includes approximately 70 species from British Columbia to areas within the United States.
• Prefers luminous places with direct sunlight.

Further Resources

• USDA Plant Profiles are mentioned as a source of common names
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution.
• Oregon Flora Project